WellStar Opens Wound-Care Center in Douglas

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A new ceneter specializing in advanced wound care opened at WellStar Douglas Hospital on Tuesday.

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center will offer patients a comprehensive but personal approach to caring for wounds, WellStar says. That level of care previously would have required patients — particularly those suffering from diabetic wounds — to drive to Atlanta or elsewhere for treatment.

"This service is the first of its kind in Douglas," said Scott Filgo, executive director of the center. "The center is going to have a tremendous impact on the community. Douglas has a high incidence of patients in the area with diabetes who are in need specialized wound care – it is a service well needed."

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment administered by delivering oxygen pressures greater than sea level to a patient in a large, clear chamber. Patients are able to lie down, relax, and watch TV or sleep during treatment.

Filgo said the hyperbaric treatment can accelerate healing of chronic wounds and decrease the necessity of hospitalization and even surgery.

Diabetic foot ulcers are the primary symptom the center anticipates treating. Treatment is important in those cases to avoid amputations, Filgo said.

Hyperbaric treatment also is prescribed for patients who have deep bone infections, soft tissue and bone radiation injury, compromised skin grafts and flaps, crushing injuries and other chronic wounds.

Image courtesy WellStar Douglas Hospital